-- The United Building, a timeless landmark at the corner of St. Mary’s Terrace and Govan Mbeki Avenue, stands resplendent in Gqeberha’s Central Business District (CBD). Celebrated as Port Elizabeth’s first skyscraper upon its 1934 debut, this 10-story architectural masterpiece has been meticulously restored by the Church of Scientology after nearly 300,000 hours of craftsmanship, reclaiming its elegance and igniting a revival in the once-thriving CBD. With a multi-million-rand investment, the United Building’s storied past, cultural significance, and modern renewal herald a new era for Gqeberha, inviting investment, community pride, and a rediscovery of the city’s historic heart, thanks to the work of the Church of Scientology and the enduring efforts of the Historical Society of Port Elizabeth.
A Storied Skyscraper Reborn
Erected in 1934 for the United Building Society, a pillar of South Africa’s financial sector, the United Building was hailed as an “elegant skyscraper,” likely marking Port Elizabeth’s first venture into tall buildings. Designed by architects Owen Eaton and Tait, the 116-foot (35.35-meter) tower introduced Chicago-style architecture with fireproof reinforced concrete, a polished black granite base sourced from Rustenburg, bronze windows, and a marble entrance hall. Its innovative features—two high-speed gearless elevators, warm cork-tiled floors, and tea-rooms on each floor—set a new standard for commercial design, reflecting the city’s prosperity fueled by wool, mohair, and ostrich feathers.
For decades, the United Building anchored the CBD’s commercial legacy, hosting Boland Bank and the Consumer Credit Bureau after the United Building Society. Its 10 floors buzzed with activity, embodying Port Elizabeth’s economic growth. By 2008, wear and neglect had dimmed its grandeur, endangering its place in the city’s heritage and prompting calls for restoration.
A Masterpiece Restored with Precision
In 2008, the Church of Scientology acquired the United Building for millions, launching a transformative restoration that spanned nearly 300,000 hours. Guided by heritage specifications, the project revived the tower’s 1934 splendor. The façade’s original black granite, gracing the lower stories, was reinstated with stone from Rustenburg, ensuring authenticity. Over two dozen intricately carved lion-head medallions beneath exterior windows were painstakingly refurbished and returned to their rightful place, recapturing the building’s artistry.
Inside, the entrance hall sparkles anew, elevators meet modern standards, and historic flooring complements updated facilities. Completed at 12 Govan Mbeki Avenue, Gqeberha Central, this multi-million-rand endeavor—acquisition and renovation combined—preserved the building’s architectural soul while equipping it for contemporary use as the Church of Scientology of Eastern Cape’s headquarters. The Historical Society’s advocacy for protecting such landmarks played a crucial role, ensuring the restoration honored Gqeberha’s heritage.
Historical Importance and the CBD’s Legacy
The United Building’s significance transcends its walls, symbolizing Gqeberha’s ascent as a commercial powerhouse. Founded in 1820, Port Elizabeth became a vital port by the 1860s, surpassing Cape Town through trade in wool and mohair. With the discovery of diamonds and gold in the interior, Port Elizabeth became an important logistics gateway into the interior. The CBD emerged as its economic core, with grand structures like the United Building epitomizing ambition and progress. By the 1930s, the district thrived with banks, shops, and theaters, a vibrant hub for all.
Yet, the CBD faced challenges in recent decades. Urban decay, economic shifts to suburban areas, and declining foot traffic left vacant properties and faded facades, dimming its former luster. Despite these hurdles, the area’s rich heritage—seen in landmarks like the Campanile (1923) and Donkin Reserve—offered hope for renewal, bolstered by the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s revitalization efforts since the early 2000s and the Historical Society’s tireless work to safeguard historic buildings.
Revitalizing the Heart of Gqeberha
The United Building’s restoration breathes vibrant life into this once-bustling CBD, aligning with the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s vision to restore its commercial and cultural vitality. The Church of Scientology’s investment created jobs for local artisans, stonecutters, and contractors during the 300,000-hour project, while the revitalized landmark now draws visitors, boosting nearby cafes, shops, and historical sites. “The United Building’s revival is a beacon for Gqeberha’s future,” said Graham Taylor, Chairman of the Historical Society of Port Elizabeth. “It shows how preserving our past can inspire a thriving present, uniting us to rebuild the CBD.”
The restoration sets a powerful precedent, encouraging businesses and developers to invest in Gqeberha’s historic treasures. The United Building’s elegance—its granite façade and lion-head medallions gleaming—signals a renaissance, inviting stakeholders to reimagine the CBD as a dynamic center of commerce, culture, and community. The Historical Society’s efforts to protect such landmarks amplify this impact, ensuring Gqeberha’s heritage endures.
A Landmark of Lasting Value
The United Building’s value to Gqeberha is profound. Architecturally, it remains a Chicago-style gem, its 1934 design a milestone in the city’s modernization. Culturally, it bridges generations, from 1930s bankers to today’s residents rediscovering the CBD. As a community anchor, its 10 floors now host programs addressing social issues, supported by the Church of Scientology, including youth education and outreach that foster unity. These efforts enhance its role as a gathering place open to all, transcending any single occupant.
The building’s central location attracts tourists and locals, fueling the CBD’s resurgence. Its restoration not only preserves a piece of Gqeberha’s soul but also elevates its future, proving heritage can drive progress. The Historical Society’s advocacy ensures such landmarks remain cherished, safeguarding the city’s identity for generations.
New Stewards, New Purpose
Since 2008, the Church of Scientology has served as the United Building’s steward, embracing its responsibility to maintain this treasure. Their multi-million-rand investment revived the landmark, while community programs echo their global outreach in areas like education, empowerment, and disaster relief. Previous owners—United Building Society, Boland Bank, and Consumer Credit Bureau—shaped its commercial past, but today, the building stands as a shared legacy, welcoming all who value Gqeberha’s history. The Church’s role as the new owner complements the Historical Society’s mission to protect such sites, ensuring their universal appeal endures.
The public is invited to experience this masterpiece, with doors opened to the community by the Church of Scientology on April 6, 2025, at 12 Govan Mbeki Avenue, Gqeberha Central, Gqeberha 6001. Tour its restored beauty, explore its history, and join the movement to revitalize the CBD. Stay connected at www.scientology-easterncape.org for updates on events and initiatives.
Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Church of Scientology South Africa
Address: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: http://www.scientology-easterncape.org/
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j-zTDDA4Lw
Release ID: 89159557
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